Emergence of deglobalized tourist segments: Trends, challenges, and future research directions

Abstract

Tourism has historically been a means of promoting globalization, encouraging cultural exchange and economic integration through travel. However, the emerging deglobalization phenomenon presents a paradox by emphasizing disconnection, reduced economic interdependence, and an increase in nationalist sentiments. This research note examines the emergence of deglobalized tourist segments influenced by external barriers such as restricted global mobility and sociopsychological barriers, as well as internal delimitations like hyper-nationalism and tourists' preferences for destinations that reflect their cultural norms and lifestyles. As a result, a typology of four deglobalized tourist segments is proposed: The Unconstrained Explorer, The Unconstrained Conformist, The Constrained Explorer, and The Constrained Conformist. The research note examines the intricate relationship between tourism and deglobalization, offering scholarly perspectives and future trends on how these factors contribute to the evolving dynamics of deglobalized tourism.